"It has been another challenging year for all our Armed Forces and I have been impressed with their commitment, dedication to duty and achievements. This pay increase is thoroughly deserved and recognises their valuable work; whether on peace support operations in Southern Iraq or on humanitarian missions in the mountains of Northern Pakistan."

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so they are rewarded with a measily 3%?? that will encourage them to stay in

General Sir Michael Walker, Chief of Defence staff said:

"It is a credit to the professionalism of our Armed Forces that they continue to meet, and exceed, the challenging demands placed upon them. Their dedication, determination and courage in the face of uncertainty, separation from family and extreme danger are ever being tested. Ensuring their value is recognised and rewarded is critical to our ability to be ready to fight and win. Our nation values the commitment of those serving in our Armed Forces. This pay increase recognises the high regard in which our people are held. It is a good result for them.

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so why the national minimum if they are so valued?

someone remind me what did our MP's vote themselves for their last payrise? sure they must be value for money

How the hell can they justify that rise? It's not like the service we are getting is improving. It's not, it's getting worse! I can see some people will actually take a pay CUT with those figures (but then, I'm no mathmatician)

22% over 2 years has been requested if you read my post (before I attacked CDT_Mong)

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Well, it's above the 1.9% inflation rate, but when I saw the title of the thread I was going to suggest that 3% for the forces would probably mean 10% for the Westminster slime. To find my cynicism so quickly proved correct is no comfort.